
Rice students work to save state parks
Incoming freshmen advocated for Centennial Parks Conservation Fund
Executive Director, Environment Texas
Started on staff: 1998
B.A., University of Southern California
As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air, clean water, clean energy and open space. Luke has led successful campaigns to win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; to compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at three Texas refineries and chemical plants; and to boost funding for water conservation, renewable energy and state parks. The San Antonio Current has called Luke “long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state.” He has been named one of the “Top Lobbyists for Causes” by Capitol Inside and received the President’s Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. He is the author or co-author of numerous reports, including Illegal Air Pollution in Texas. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.
Incoming freshmen advocated for Centennial Parks Conservation Fund
Composting reduces methane emissions from landfills, contributes to higher crop yields, and aids in habitat revitalization and carbon sequestration.
It took a big idea, reaching across the political divide, and a little bit of luck
Expanding the urban forest could reduce heat